100 Apply, 2 Get In: Expert Advice on How to Beat the Co-Manufacturer Odds and Create a Bidding War

Ever wondered why finding a co-manufacturer feels impossibly difficult? Sarah sits down with Julia Megson, CEO of ReScale, who reveals the shocking reality that co-manufacturers receive about 100 inquiries monthly but only work with one to two brands from that entire pool. Julia's unique background – from auditing over 100 contract manufacturers at Trader Joe's to founding a tech platform specifically for emerging food brands – gives her unparalleled insight into what actually works in co-manufacturing partnerships. She breaks down why this process is more like sales than shopping, and how treating it as a relationship-building exercise can save you up to 30% on production costs. The episode uncovers game-changing strategies most founders never hear: why you should delay your co-manufacturing search as long as possible to strengthen your negotiating position, how to use simple email templates that achieve a 65% response rate (compared to the typical 10%), and why creating competition between manufacturers can dramatically reduce your costs. Julia also tackles the controversial topic of minimum order quantities, revealing they're often negotiable barriers rather than hard equipment limitations. For founders currently overwhelmed by demand but hesitant to make the manufacturing leap, she provides a clear framework for knowing when you're ready and how to present yourself as the kind of partner co-manufacturers actually want to work with. This episode delivers the insider knowledge that could transform your approach to scaling production and building the manufacturing relationships that will fuel your growth.    Learn more about ReScale: Website: tryrescale.comRead the Blog   Join The Good Food CFO Community:  Follow us on Instagram: @thegoodfoodcfo  Connect on LinkedIn: @sarahdelevan  Watch on YouTube: @thegoodfoodcfo  Become a Member: BABOYOT   This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thegoodfoodcfo.substack.com